We need to redouble our efforts in rice production- Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy has highlighted that there is a need to redouble our efforts to grow more rice in Fiji to reduce the significant import bill of buying rice overseas.

Speaking at the Off-Season Rice Field Day in Madhuvani, Rakiraki, Dr Reddy says Fiji approximately imported $46.2 million worth of rice every year.

He says there is no need for Fiji to continue importing rice from Thailand or Vietnam as we can grow it locally.

He adds Fiji’s climatic condition is good for rice farming and people can grow this crop year-round.

Dr Reddy says that one reason why they are promoting rice farming in the Western division is that Fiji can become closer to becoming self-sufficient.

The Minister says Fiji is currently operating at 17 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production and it is in the national strategic interest, we raise this self-sufficiency to at least to 80 per cent.